There is stealing, and then there is stealing the “human spirit”. Every year we hear stories of charities being burglarized. That annual bit of news tends to affect me in two ways.

1. I feel sad that people simply don’t care about each other.
2. I start thinking that the person who stole the things from the charity obviously needed the things, thus the charity served its purpose.

Clearly my second though is ridiculous. But interesting nonetheless. But how do we try to classify the world’s biggest swindler, Bernard Madoff? Madoff, 70, recently was busted for defrauding investors out of over $50 billion. He was a former chairman of NASDAQ, and was (and I do mean WAS) one of the most well respected money managers in the world.

Cue the helicopter (you know the helicopter that flies over tornado ravaged ares.) Madoff has caused a massive (un)natural disaster. Many charities that trusted him with their money, have shutdown. Entire countries have lost millions of dollars. This is the lowest of the low. He wasn’t just stealing from charities, but his acts caused them to shutdown. He is preventing others from being functional members of this society. Enjoy your stay in the pokey, Bernard. Oh, and Merry Christmas.

About Green Candyâ„¢

Green Candy™ (www.GreenCandy.com) is an online financial assessment tool that helps Gen Y-ers and Millennials get on the right financial track before the “debt hits the fan.”  Introduced by radio personality, comedian and financial expert Pete the Planner (www.PeteThePlanner.com), Green Candy’s ™ various “pods” allow users to assess their financial health and competency in common areas such as Debt, Budgeting, Investing, Charity, Risk Management and Major Purchases, as well as in areas unique to Gen Y. A subsequent series of targeted worksheets, podcasts, tip sheets, and action plans guides them to the financial promise land.  Green Candy™: Get in control before the debt hits the fan.   

About Pete the Planner

Pete the Planner (www.PeteThePlanner.com) is expert financial planner Peter Dunn’s super-saving alter ego.  Peter is an award-winning comedian and rising star in the financial world. Named one of “Indy’s Best and Brightest” in finance in 2007 by KPMG, Peter was also declared one of NUVO magazine’s “30 under 30 to Watch in the Arts” for comedy.  Peter is the author of What Your Dad Never Taught You About Budgeting (2006) and is the host of the popular radio show Skills Your Dad Never Taught You on News Talk 1430 (WXNT). He blogs regularly at www.petetheplanner.com/blog.